Electronic device case

ABSTRACT

A protective storage device includes a front protective component that is configured to receive an electronic device. A back protective component is employed to interface with the front protective component and to form an enclosure that encloses the electronic device when the back protective component interfaces with a front of the front protective component. The case may also include a multi-directional hinge that couples the front protective component to the back protective component at a single location such that the front protective component is movable in multiple directions relative to the back protective component.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 61/719,751, which was filed Oct. 29, 2012, the completedisclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

Smartphones and tablets have become ubiquitous. The need for protectivecases for smart phones and tablets has grown with this popularity.Embodiments of the invention are directed toward protective cases forsmartphones and tablets.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The terms “invention,” “the invention,” “this invention” and “thepresent invention” used in this patent are intended to refer broadly toall of the subject matter of this patent and the patent claims below.Statements containing these terms should not be understood to limit thesubject matter described herein or to limit the meaning or scope of thepatent claims below. Embodiments of the invention covered by this patentare defined by the claims below, not this summary. This summary is ahigh-level overview of various aspects of the invention and introducessome of the concepts that are further described in the DetailedDescription section below. This summary is not intended to identify keyor essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intendedto be used in isolation to determine the scope of the claimed subjectmatter. The subject matter should be understood by reference to theentire specification of this patent, all drawings and each claim.

One particular embodiment provides a protective storage device thatincludes a front protective component that is configured to receive anelectronic device. A back protective component is employed to interfacewith the front protective component and to form an enclosure thatencloses the electronic device when the back protective componentinterfaces with a front of the front protective component. Such aconfiguration may be referred to as a closed position where theelectronic device is enclosed by the front and back protectivecomponents. Conveniently, the case may also include a multi-directionalhinge that couples the front protective component to the back protectivecomponent at a single location such that the front protective componentis movable in multiple directions relative to the back protectivecomponent. In this way, the protective device may be moved to an openposition where the electronic device is exposed. By using themulti-directional hinge, the back protective component may be movedbehind and interfaced with the front protective component, among otherpossible positions.

In one particular aspect, the multi-directional hinge comprises an armand a ball, and a socket into which the arm and ball are received. Insome arrangements, the arm may be coupled to either the back protectivecomponent or the front protective component. Also, the socket may becoupled to either the back protective component or the front protectivecomponent such that it may interface with ball that is coupled to theother component.

In another aspect, the front protective component comprises a generallyrectangular back, a top end, and two sides. In an optional arrangement,the two sides may each include a resilient jaw that is configured toflex to permit the electronic device to be inserted into the frontprotective component, then released to bias against the electronicdevice to secure the electronic device within the front protectivecomponent. In other arrangements, the electronic component may simply bepress fit into the front protective component.

In some aspects, the back protective component may further comprise abiased latch that serves to latch the back protective component to thefront protective component when moved to the closed position. The latchmay be located on the back end, one of the sides, or the top end, solong as it does not interfere with the hinge. Also, the back protectivecomponent may optionally be configured so that it defines a storagecompartment. This may be accomplished, for example, by sizing the sides,top and bottom ends so that the back of the back protective component isspaced apart from the electronic device when placed in the closedposition, thereby defining a storage space for holding small items.Examples of items that may be stored include, credit cards, debit cards,hotel cards, money clips, cash in the form of bills, coins, businesscards, papers, and the like. One or more features may be used tointerface with such items to help secure them within the storagecompartment.

In one particular arrangement, the multi-directional hinge is locatednear the top end of the front protective component. In other cases, themulti-directional hinge may be located near one of the sides of thefront protective component.

The invention also provides an exemplary method that utilizes aprotective device that comprises a back protective component, a frontprotective component that is configured to interface with the backprotective component and to form an enclosure, and a multi-directionalhinge that couples the front protective component to the back protectivecomponent at a single location such that the back protective componentis movable in multiple directions relative to the front protectivecomponent. In one step of the method, an electronic device is insertedinto the front protective component. Also, the back protective componentis manipulated about the multi-directional hinge to place the backprotective component against the front protective component, therebyenclosing the electronic device within the protective device.

In one aspect, the back protective component comprises a back, a topend, a bottom end and two sides. With this arrangement, a latch at thebottom end or on one of the sides of the back protective component isoperated to latch the back protective component to the front protectivecomponent.

In some cases, a pair of jaws at the sides may be flexed prior toinserting the electronic device to permit the electronic device to beslid into the back protective component. In another step, the case maybe placed in a closed position where the electronic device is enclosedby the front protective component and the back protective component. Atleast a portion of the front protective component may be separated fromthe back protective component, and the front protective componentrotated relative to the back protective component to provide access tothe electronic device. In one arrangement, the front protectivecomponent may be placed on a support surface, with the back protectivecomponent propping the electronic case at an elevated angle relative tothe support surface.

In one aspect, the back protective component defines a storagecompartment between the electronic device and the back. A variety ofitems, such as a plastic card, money, papers, or the like, may beinserted into the storage compartment.

In yet another embodiment, the invention provides a system thatcomprises a protective storage device that may be constructed of a frontprotective component defining a cavity and a back protective componentthat is configured to interface with the front protective component andto form an enclosure that encloses the cavity when the back protectivecomponent interfaces with a front of the front protective component. Amulti-directional hinge may be used to couple the front protectivecomponent to the back protective component at a single location suchthat the front protective component is movable in multiple directionsrelative to the back protective component. The system further includesan electronic device that is held within the cavity of the frontprotective component.

Examples of electronic devices that may be stored in the frontprotective component include mobile phones, electronic tablets,electronic readers, electronic media players, and the like. In oneparticular arrangement, the multi-directional hinge comprises an arm anda ball, and a socket into which the arm and ball are received.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Illustrative embodiments of the present invention are described indetail below with reference to the following drawing figures:

FIG. 1 shows an isometric view of a closed case according to oneembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 shows a front view of the case of FIG. 1.

FIG. 2A shows a cross-section along line A of FIG. 2.

FIG. 2B shows the multi-directional hinge of the cross-section in FIG.2A.

FIG. 2C shows the latching interface of the cross-section in FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3 shows a rear view of the case of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 shows a side view of the case of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 shows a side view of the case of FIG. 1

FIG. 5A shows a cross-section along line A in FIG. 5

FIG. 6 shows an isometric view of an open case according to oneembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 shows a front view of the case of FIG. 6.

FIG. 7A shows a cross-section along line A in FIG. 7.

FIG. 7B shows the multi-directional hinge of the cross-section in FIG.7A.

FIG. 7C shows the latching interface of the cross-section of FIG. 7A.

FIG. 8 shows a rear view of the case of FIG. 6.

FIG. 9 shows a side view of the case of FIG. 6.

FIG. 10 shows a side view of the case of FIG. 6.

FIG. 11 shows a front view of an open case according to one embodimentof the invention.

FIG. 11A shows a cross-section along line A in FIG. 11.

FIG. 11B shows a beveled arm of the cross-section in FIG. 11A.

FIG. 12 shows an exploded view of a case according to one embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 13 shows an isometric view of one embodiment of a case.

FIG. 14 shows a side view of the case of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 shows an isometric view of an open case according to oneembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 16 shows the case of FIG. 15 pivoted at a right angle.

FIG. 17 shows the case of FIG. 15 pivoted at a right angle and frontprotective component rotated 45 degrees relative to back protectivecomponent.

FIG. 18 shows a back protective component according to one embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 18A shows a latch attached to a straight appendage.

FIG. 19 shows a back protective component according to one embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 19A shows a latch attached to a pre-flexed appendage.

FIG. 20 shows a front view of a case according to one embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 20A shows a cross-section along line A in FIG. 20.

FIG. 20B shows an O-ring as in the cross-section of FIG. 20A.

FIG. 21 shows an isometric view of an open case according to oneembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 21A shows the multi-directional hinge of FIG. 21.

FIG. 22 shows a front view of a front protective component.

FIG. 22A shows a socket of FIG. 22 housing a compression device.

FIG. 23 depicts an isometric view of a compression device.

FIG. 24 depicts a front view of a compression device.

FIG. 25 shows an isometric view of a back protective component accordingto one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 25A shows the arms of FIG. 25.

FIG. 26 shows the beveled shape of arms.

FIG. 27 shows a front view of the back protective component of FIG. 25.

FIG. 28 shows an electronic device being inserted into a frontprotective component.

FIG. 29 shows an isometric view of a back protective cover.

FIG. 30 shows a front view of the back protective cover of FIG. 29.

FIG. 31 shows a side view of the back protective cover of FIG. 29.

FIG. 31A shows the ball and arm of back protective cover of FIG. 30A.

FIG. 32 shows an isometric view of one embodiment of a closed case.

FIG. 33 depicts a front view of the case of FIG. 32.

FIG. 33A shows a cross-section along line A in FIG. 33.

FIG. 33B shows the multi-directional hinge of FIG. 33A.

FIG. 34 shows a back view of the case of FIG. 32.

FIG. 35 shows a side view of the case of FIG. 32.

FIG. 36 shows a side view of the case of FIG. 32.

FIG. 37 shows an isometric view of an open case according to oneembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 38 shows a front view of the case of FIG. 37.

FIG. 38A shows a cross-section along line A in FIG. 38.

FIG. 38B shows the multi-directional hinge of FIG. 38A.

FIG. 39 shows a rear view of the case of FIG. 37.

FIG. 40 shows a side view of the case of FIG. 37.

FIG. 41 shows a side view of the case of FIG. 37.

FIG. 42 shows one example of an open case holding an electronic device.

FIG. 43 shows the case of FIG. 42 in an unlatched, slightly pivotedposition.

FIG. 44 shows the case of FIG. 42 in a right angle pivot position.

FIG. 45 shows the case of FIG. 42 in a fully-rotated position.

FIG. 46 shows a top view of the case of FIG. 42 in a fully-rotatedposition.

FIG. 47 shows the case of FIG. 42 in a closed position.

FIG. 48 shows a case holding an electronic device according to oneembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 48A shows the multi-directional hinge of FIG. 48.

FIG. 49 shows a case holding an electronic device according to oneembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 49A shows the multi-directional hinge of FIG. 49.

FIG. 50 shows a side view of a front protective component according toone embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 50A shows a cross-section along line A of FIG. 50.

FIG. 51 depicts one embodiment of a front protective component having alatch mating surface.

FIG. 52 shows one example of a back protective component.

FIG. 53 is an exploded view of an electronic device and case accordingto one embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the invention are directed toward a two-piece protectivecase for mobile digital devices, such as mobile phones, tablets,e-reader devices, or any other electronic device. For example, the casecan be configured to hold electronic devices such as the Apple iPhone,iPad, iPad mini, Samsung Galaxy S, Motorola Droid, Samsung Galaxy Note,Amazon Kindle Fire, and the like.

The cases described herein may generally be described in terms of twomajor pieces or components that interact with each other, although itwill be appreciated that each piece or component may includesub-components, and the case may include other pieces or elements thatinteract with the two main pieces or components.

The function of one of the main pieces or components of the case may beto hold the electronic device, providing some degree of protection tothe electronic device. For example, the back and sides of the electronicdevice may be encompassed by the piece of the case to help provide somedegree of protection against impact, scratches, moisture and the like.At the same time, the front of the electronic device is easilyaccessible. One or more openings may be employed to provide access tovarious buttons or features of the electronic device, such as an on/offswitch, volume buttons, and the like.

The other main piece or component of the case provides a variety offunctions and features, including fully enclosing the electronic device,storing items and propping the case at a desired orientation whenresting on a support surface or being held by a user. This main piece isconfigured to cooperate or interact with other component in order toaccomplish such features.

For example, the case may be described in terms of being placed in anopen position or a closed position. In the closed position, theelectronic device is fully enclosed by the case. This is the mostprotective position for the electronic device. In some cases,appropriate seals may be provided so that the case is waterproof aswell. When access is needed to the electronic device, the case may bemanipulated and placed in the open position, where one of the mainsurfaces of the electronic device is viewable and fully accessible,while the rest of the electronic device remains protected by one of themain components of the case.

One exemplary way to couple to two main pieces of the case together isby using a multi-directional hinge. This allows the pieces to be movedrelative to each other in a wide variety of orientations. For example,one of the pieces (when in the closed position) may be rotated andflipped about so that it may be placed against the back of the piecethat holds the electronic device (in one of the open positions). Thehinge may be placed at the top, bottom, or one of the sides of thecomponents to allow for such movement and manipulation. It will beappreciated that other types of hinges could also be used. Optionally, alatch may be employed to hold the two pieces in the closed (or open)position. This latch may be placed on one of the sides, the top or thebottom of the main component.

A variety of techniques may be used to insert the electronic device intoone of the main pieces. For example, one of the main pieces could definea cavity that the electronic device is inserted into. The tolerancescould be such that the electronic device is snap fit within the cavityor held in place by friction. As another option, one of the sides, thetop or the bottom could be bendable, be resilient, have jaws, have ahinge, or the like. This allows the sides, top and/or bottom to be movedin order to allow the electronic device to be inserted.

Also, one of the components may be configured to store a variety ofitems (other than the electronic device). These items could be stored inthe same main piece that holds the electronic device or the other mainpiece that does not hold the electronic device. This may beaccomplished, for example, by configuring one of the pieces to have astorage compartment to hold the items. Also, detents, arms, latches, orthe like could be used to help hold the items within the storagecompartment. Examples of items that could be stored include, but are notlimited to, credit cards, debit cards, gift cards, bills, currency,business cards, papers, and the like.

In some situations, no extra storage space may be needed. In thesesituations, the main component that does not hold the electronic devicemay be configured as a flat, thin piece of material that rests on afront of the piece that holds the electronic device. This permits thecase to be constructed with thinner dimension. As such, this main piececould be a simple cover, with optional joints or flexibility to allow itto roll up or collapse.

In some cases, the main pieces or components of the case may include oneor more openings to provide access to features on electronic device. Theopenings may be useful when in both the open and closed positions. Forexample, openings may be used to provide access to features such asvolume controls, on/off switches, cameras, microphones, heat vents, andthe like. Also, one or more features may be included on the maincomponents to facilitate holding and manipulation of the case. Forexample, part of one of the latches may be used to help hold the case inone orientation, then spin the case around to another orientation usingthe thumb and one of the fingers.

Mobile Phone Case

Referring now to FIGS. 1-12, one embodiment of a protective case 100will be described. Case 100 may be formed by coupling a front protectivecomponent 102 to a back protective component 114. In this way, case 100can protect an electronic device 152 from accidental damage while alsoallowing access to and functioning of all features of electronic device152.

Front protective component 102 may be defined in terms of sides 104 and106, a top 108, a bottom 110, and a back 112. Front protective component102 may be appropriately sized and shaped to tightly conform to theouter shape of electronic device 152. Electronic device 152 may besecured in front protective component 102 using a variety of techniquesincluding, but not limited to, a snap fit or construction by usingflexible materials that constrict about electronic device 152. Frontprotective component 102 can be configured to be approximately as thickas electronic device 152. For example, front protective component 102may have a thickness in the range from about 11 mm to about 16 mm,although other sizes can be used depending on the thickness ofelectronic device 152. Front protective component 102 can furtherinclude holes 136 on sides 104 and/or 106, top 108, and/or bottom 110,and can include a transparent window 138 on back 112 to providefunctional access to features of electronic device 152, such as powerand volume buttons, cameras, flash devices, speakers, and lights. Bothfront protective component 102 and back protective component 114 can bemade of plastic, rubber, a rubberized material, leather, carbon fiber,or the like.

Back protective component 114 can be configured to have sides 116 and118, a top 120, a bottom 122, and a back 124. Transparent window 138 maybe positioned and sized such that features on electronic device 152,such as a camera, light, or flash, can continue to function when a useris operating electronic device 152 while it is housed in case 100.

Front protective component 102 and back protective component 114 aremovably coupled via a multi-directional hinge 126. In some embodiments,multi-directional hinge 126 can be formed from the interconnection of asocket 130 with a ball 128 and an arm 127. One of either socket 130 andball 128 and arm 127 can be positioned on one of side 104 (as shown inthis embodiment), side 106, top 108, or bottom 110 of front protectivecomponent 102 with the other being positioned on the corresponding side116, side 118, top 120, or bottom 222 of back protective component 114.Socket 130 can be specially shaped to provide positional stability andprecise, repeatable orientation in the multi-directional hinge 126. Insome embodiments, ball 128 and/or socket 130 can include detents, teeth,gears, or have a three-dimensional polygon shape to allow for rotationand positioning that will hold when released, and to keep the plastic,or other socket material, from permanent deformation. In someembodiments, ball 128 and arm 127 can be friction fit, resistively fit,and or press fit within socket 130.

Multi-directional hinge 126 can be configured to allow back protectivecomponent 114 to be pivoted and rotated relative to a front protectivecomponent 102. In this manner, case 100 can be positioned in an openstate or a closed state. Case 100 is open, or in an open state, whenelectronic device 152 is readily visible and operable by a user (seeFIGS. 6-10). Case 100 is closed, or in a closed state, when backprotective component 114 is positioned to cover and protect electronicdevice 152 (see FIGS. 1-5). Opening and closing case 100 can be achievedthrough steps described in the electronic device case embodimentsection.

Multi-directional hinge 126 can be actuated to provide access toelectronic device 152 and any other contents stored within case 100.Multi-directional hinge 126 can allow back protective component 114 tobe positioned against back 110 of front protective component 102 oropposite back 110 of front protective component 102 so that the user mayopen, close, and adjust back protective component 114 against frontprotective component 102 to cover, protect, and/or seal electronicdevice 152 and any stored contents fully. Multi-directional hinge 126may be configured to allow back protective component 114 to bepositioned open and/or rotated at any angle to create a stand or handleby which to display or view electronic device 152 or to film or recordusing a camera included in electronic device 152.

Multi-directional hinge 126 may optionally be configured to have asymmetrical relationship. This symmetry enables case 100 to fully flipand rotate, allowing case 100 to be positioned in completely open andclosed states. As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the symmetric chamferfeature of front protective component 102 enables front protectivecomponent 102 to have a minimal thickness, thereby reducing the overallthickness of electronic device 152 when held in case 100.

In some embodiments multi-directional hinge 126 can be used as a thumbcatch feature, serving as a handhold for the user. When case 100 isopen, the user can place a thumb on the front of multi-directional hinge126 and place one or more fingers on back 124 of back protectivecomponent 114. In this manner, a user can avoid touching a screen orbutton of electronic device 152 while manipulating the orientation ofelectronic device 152.

Some embodiments may include a latch 132 on back protective component114 that interfaces with a latch mating surface 134 on front protectivecomponent 102. The interface between latch 132 and latch mating surface134 allows back protective component 114 and front protective component102 to be fastened together in either the open or closed state. Case 100may optionally include a symmetrical interface 154 between latch matingsurface 134 and a latch 132. This allows latch 132 to fasten case 100 inboth an open and closed state. The symmetric chamfer feature of frontprotective component 102 allows for front protective component 102 to bethicker at the edges, providing strength, while allowing the middle offront protective component 102 to be thin so that a case adds minimumthickness to an electronic device. Embodiments of latch 132 and latchmating surface 134 can allow greater and/or easier access and/or greatersecurity to electronic device 152 secured in front protective component102 and to any contents stored in back protective component 114.Although shown on side 118, it will be appreciated that latch 132 couldalso be located on side 116. Also, other types of latches could also beused to fasten case 100. Also, latches similar to latch 132 and latchmating surface 134 may be optionally included in any other casesdescribed herein.

Back protective component 114 may optionally include a storage space 142that is defined by sides 116 and 118, top 120, and bottom 122. Morespecifically, storage space 142 is defined by the volume created by thedistance from back 112 of front protective component 102 to back 124 ofback protective component 114, and the area between sides 116 and 118and between top 120 and bottom 122. Storage space 142 can be configuredto store various items, including but not limited to credit cards, IDs,debit cards, paper bills, etc. In some embodiments, sides 116 and 118,top 120, and bottom 122 may have a height in the range from about 1-4mm, and in some cases about 2 mm, creating a frame that providesstiffness/strength/rigidity while allowing back 124 to remain thin tominimally increase overall thickness of case 100. In this manner,storage space 142 can provide 3 mm of storage depth while only adding 4mm of thickness to the case.

Storage space 142 can optionally include one or more arms 146 (as seenin FIG. 12) to grasp and secure contents against back 124 of backprotective component 114. Arms 146 can be integral to back protectivecomponent 114, inserted into storage space 142, affixed via heat stakes140, and/or attached using any other method, to back protectivecomponent 114, and can be made of any sufficiently rigid material. Arms146 can be shaped to allow stored contents to be slid in and out ofstorage space 142, but prevent contents from falling out accidentally.

One or more ramped or sloped ribs 144 may optionally be included instorage space 142 to facilitate the extraction of stored contents. Ribs144 can further allow storage space 142 to be sealed against frontprotective component 102 and allow sides 116 and 118, top 120, andbottom 122 of back protective component 114 to surround and protect thefull perimeter. Without ribs 144, stored contents of storage space 142would be trapped inside storage space 142 by bottom 122 of backprotective component 114. Stored contents of storage space 142 can bereleased from securing arms 146 by sliding on ribs 144, which directcontents up and over bottom 122. Storage space 142 can further include alens protecting sliding door 148 and a lens protecting sliding door trap150, which can also be affixed using heat stakes 140. Other means offixing these elements can be utilized as well. Other structures notdescribed herein can be included to secure contents within storage space142.

Referring now to FIGS. 13-28, one embodiment of a protective case 200will be described. Case 200 may be formed by coupling a front protectivecomponent 202 to a back protective component 214. Front protectivecomponent 202 may be defined in terms of sides 204 and 206, a top 208, abottom 210, and a back 212. Front protective component 202 may beappropriately sized and shaped to hold an electronic device 262.Electronic device 262 may be secured in front protective component 202using one or more flexible jaws 258 (as best shown in FIG. 28) includedat the bottom, top, or sides of front protective component 202. Jaws 258protect electronic device 262 and flex to accommodate installation andextraction of electronic device 262. Jaws 258 can be shaped specificallyto securely hold and protect electronic device 258, and allow electronicdevice 258 to be installed or removed from front protective component202. Other means of inserting and extracting an electronic device intoand from front protective component 202 include, but are not limited to,a snap fit, flexible materials that constrict about electronic device262, and the like. Jaws 258 may optionally be included in any otherembodiments described herein.

Front protective component 202 may have approximately the same thicknessas electronic device 262. For example, front protective component 202may have a thickness in the range from about 11 mm to about 16 mm,although other sizes can be used depending on the thickness ofelectronic device 262. Front protective component 202 can furtherinclude holes 236 and/or buttons 234 on sides 204 and/or 206, top 208,and/or bottom 210, and can include a transparent window 238 on back 212.Holes 236, buttons 234, and transparent window 238 can be sized andpositioned to provide functional access to features of electronic device262, such as power and volume buttons, cameras, flash devices, speakers,and lights. Both front protective component 202 and back protectivecomponent 214 can be made of plastic, rubber, a rubberized material,leather, carbon fiber, or the like.

Back protective component 214 includes sides 216 and 218, a top 220, abottom 222, and a back 224. Transparent window 238 may be positioned andsized on back 224 of back protective component 214 such that features onelectronic device 152, such as a camera, light, or flash, can continueto function when a user is operating electronic device 262 while it ishoused in case 200.

Front protective component 202 and back protective component 214 aremovably coupled via a multi-directional hinge 226. In some embodiments,multi-directional hinge 226 can be formed from the interconnection of asocket 230 with a ball 228 and an arm 227. One of either socket 230 andball 228 and arm 227 can be positioned on one of side 204, side 206, top208 (as shown in this embodiment), or bottom 210 of front protectivecomponent 202 with the other being positioned on the corresponding side216, side 218, top 220, or bottom 222 of back protective component 214.Socket 230 can be specially shaped to provide positional stability andprecise, repeatable orientation in the multi-directional hinge 226. Insome embodiments, ball 228 and/or socket 230 can include detents, teeth,gears, or have a three-dimensional polygon shape to allow for rotationand positioning that will hold when released, and to keep the plastic,or other socket material, from permanent deformation. In someembodiments, ball 228 and arm 227 can be friction fit, resistively fit,and or press fit within socket 230.

Case 200 may optionally include a compression device 260 (as best shownin FIG. 22A) housed within a socket 230. Compression device 260 can bemade of spring steel, or other suitable material, to squeeze ball 228and create a frictional fit with multi-directional hinge 226. Thisprovides positional stability, and keeps the plastic, or other socketmaterial, from permanent deformation. Compression device 260 may beoptionally included in any other embodiments described herein.

Multi-directional hinge 226 can be configured to allow back protectivecomponent 214 to be pivoted and rotated relative to a front protectivecomponent 202. In this manner, case 200 can be positioned in an openstate (see FIG. 21) or a closed state (see FIGS. 13) as previouslydescribed in connection with other embodiments. Opening and closing case200 can be achieved through steps previously described.

Multi-directional hinge 226 can be operated to provide access toelectronic device 262 and any other contents stored within case 200.Multi-directional hinge 226 can allow back protective component 214 tobe positioned against back 210 of front protective component 202 oropposite back 210 of front protective component 202 so that the user mayopen, close, and adjust back protective component 214 against frontprotective component 202 to cover, protect, and/or seal electronicdevice 262 and any stored contents 254 (as shown in FIG. 26).Multi-directional hinge 226 may be configured to allow back protectivecomponent 214 to be positioned open and/or rotated at any angle tocreate a stand or handle by which to display or view electronic device262 or to film or record using a camera included in electronic device262.

In some embodiments multi-directional hinge 226 can be used as a thumbcatch feature, serving as a handhold for the user. When case 200 isopen, the user can place a thumb on the front of multi-directional hinge226 and place one or more fingers on back 224 of back protectivecomponent 214. In this manner, a user can avoid touching a screen orbutton of electronic device 262 while manipulating the orientation ofelectronic device 262.

Some embodiments include a latch 232 on back protective component 214that can interface with front protective component 202 to close, seal,and/or protect electronic device 262 and/or stored contents 254. Latch232 can be created by extending one or more of sides 216 and 218, top220, and bottom 222 of back protective component 214. Latch 232 canclasp bottom 212 of front protective case 202 to fasten case 200 eitherthe open or closed state. In some embodiments, latch 232 can be attachedto a straight appendage 252 (as shown best in FIG. 18A). Where latch 232is attached to straight appendage 252, latch 232 is biased towards frontprotective component 202 and latch 232 can be flexible to allow user tomanipulate latch 232 over a portion of front protective component 202 tofasten case 200 in an open or closed state.

In some embodiments, latch 232 can be attached to a pre-flexed appendage250 (as shown best in FIG. 19A). Where latch 232 is attached topre-flexed appendage 250, latch 232 remains open until actively closed,which can indicate to the user that stored contents 254 have not beensafely replaced. In some embodiments, pre-flexed appendage 250 can bebiased to require physical latching by a user. In this way, the user canbe reminded that stored contents 254 have not been safely replaced. Insome embodiments, a latch can be attached to an angled appendage.

Although shown on bottom 222, it will be appreciated that latch 232could also be located on top 220. Also, other types of latches couldalso be used to fasten the two components of case 100. Also, latchessimilar to latch 132 may optionally be included in any other casesdescribed herein.

Back protective component 214 may optionally include a storage space 242that is defined by sides 216 and 218, top 220, and bottom 222. Morespecifically, storage space 242 is defined by the volume created by thedistance from back 212 of front protective component 202 to back 224 ofback protective component 214, and the area between sides 216 and 218and between top 220 and bottom 222. Storage space 242 can be configuredto hold stored contents 254, including but not limited to credit cards,IDs, debit cards, paper bills, etc. In some embodiments, sides 216 and218, top 220, and bottom 222 may have a height in the range from about1-4 mm, and in some cases 2 mm, creating a frame that providesstiffness/strength/rigidity while allowing back 224 to remain thin tominimally increase overall thickness of case 200. In this manner,storage space 242 can provide 3 mm of storage depth while only adding 4mm of thickness to the case.

Storage space 242 can optionally include one or more arms 246 (as bestseen in FIG. 25A) to grasp and secure stored contents 254 against back224 of back protective component 214. Arms 246 can be integral to backprotective component 214, inserted into storage space 242, affixed viaheat stakes 240, and/or attached using any other method, to backprotective component 214, and can be made of any sufficiently rigidmaterial. Arms 246 can be shaped to allow stored contents 254 to be slidin and out of storage space 242, but prevent stored contents 254 fromfalling out accidentally. Two or more arms 246 can be included, with oneon top of another, and with a slit or slits in between them as shown inFIG. 25A. The top of arms 246 can have a small edge. Arms 246 can have abeveled interior edge (as shown in FIG. 26) to hold stored contents 254such as ID cards or credit cards. Arms 246 can optionally be configuredto be flexible and have an inward bias as best shown in FIG. 27.

One or more ramped or sloped ribs 244 (as best shown in FIG. 25) mayoptionally be included in storage space 242 to facilitate the extractionof stored contents 254. Ribs 244 can further allow storage space 242 tobe sealed against front protective component 202 and allow sides 216 and218, top 220, and bottom 222 of back protective component 214 tosurround and protect the full perimeter. Without ribs 244, storedcontents 254 of storage space 242 would be trapped inside storage space242 by bottom 222 of back protective component 214. Stored contents 254of storage space 242 can be released from securing arms 246 by slidingon ribs 244, which direct stored contents 254 up and over bottom 222.One or more bars 248 can optionally be included to prevent storedcontents 254 in storage space 242 from interfering with any features ofelectronic device 262. For example, bar 248 can keep stored contents 254from blocking a camera or flash device. Other structures not describedherein can be included to retain stored contents 254 within a storagespace 242.

Back protective component 214 can optionally include an O-ring 256.O-ring 256 can be positioned to create a seal to achieve dust andwaterproofing when front protective component 202 and back protectivecomponent 214 interface to form a flush joint. Other methods of sealingcase 200 for dust and waterproofing, such as inserting gaskets, can alsobe utilized. Rubberized or flexible buttons could be used to transferphysical button clicks through a waterproof case. Waterproofing elementssuch as O-rings, gaskets, seals, and rubberized and flexible buttons maybe optionally included in any other embodiments described herein.

Referring now to FIGS. 29-31, one embodiment of a back protectivecomponent 314 configured as a protective cover flap will be described.Back protective component 314 can be defined by sides 316 and 318, a top320, a bottom 322, and a back 324. When serving as a protective coverflap, back protective component 314 can add as little as 2 mm to theoverall thickness of a case while providing rigid protection to anelectronic device. By raising an edge of back protective component 314by 2 mm, rigidity is provided to the back protective component 314,while only increasing the overall case thickness by 0.5 mm. Someembodiments of back protective component 314 can optionally include atransparent window sized and positioned on back 324 as described in thesections above. Back protective component 314 can include a ball 327 andan arm 328 that is configured to interface with a socket on a frontprotective component as described in the sections above. As such, backprotective component 314 may be used with any of the case embodimentsdescribed herein. Ball 327 and arm 328 can be positioned on one of sides316 and 318, top 320, or bottom 322. Back protective component 314 canfurther include a latch 332 configured to clasp a front protectivecomponent as described in other embodiments. In this manner, backprotective component 314 can be attached and fastened either frontprotective component as described in the preceding sections.

Electronic Device Case

Referring now to FIGS. 32-53, one embodiment of a protective case 400will be described. Case 400 is particularly useful in holding largerelectronic devices, such as electronic tablets and e-readers. Case 400may be formed by coupling a front protective component 402 to a backprotective component 414. In this way, case 400 can protect anelectronic device 442 from accidental damage while also allowing accessto and functioning of all features of electronic device 442.

Front protective component 402 may defined in terms of sides 404 and406, a top 408, a bottom 410, and a back 412. Front protective component402 may be appropriately sized and shaped to tightly conform to theouter shape of electronic device 442. Electronic device 442 may besecured in front protective component 402 using a variety of techniquesincluding, but not limited to, a snap fit or construction by usingflexible materials that constrict about electronic device 442. Frontprotective component 402 can be configured to be approximately as thickas electronic device 442. For example, front protective component 402may have a thickness in the range from about 11 mm to about 16 mm,although other sizes can be used depending on the thickness ofelectronic device 442. Front protective component 402 can furtherinclude holes 436 on sides 404 and/or 406, top 408, and/or bottom 410,buttons 440, and a transparent window 438. Holes 436, buttons 440, andtransparent window 438 can be sized and positioned to provide functionalaccess to features of electronic device 442, such as power and volumebuttons, cameras, flash devices, speakers, and lights. Both frontprotective component 402 and back protective component 414 can be madeof plastic, rubber, a rubberized material, leather, carbon fiber, or thelike.

Back protective component 414 can be configured to have sides 416 and418, a top 420, a bottom 422, and a back 424. Transparent window 438 maybe positioned and sized such that features on electronic device 452,such as a camera, light, or flash, can continue to function when a useris operating electronic device 442 while it is housed in case 400.

Front protective component 402 and back protective component 414 aremovably coupled via a multi-directional hinge 426. In some embodiments,multi-directional hinge 426 can be formed from the interconnection of asocket 430 with a ball 428 and an arm 427. One of either socket 430 andball 428 and arm 427 can be positioned on one of side 404 (as shown inthis embodiment), side 406, top 408, or bottom 410 of front protectivecomponent 402 with the other being positioned on the corresponding side416, side 418, top 420, or bottom 422 of back protective component 414.Arm 427 can be mated to, and extend from, a surface of one of side 416,side 418, top 420, or bottom 422 of back protective component 414. Arm427 may have an extended member 446 that can be mated to back 424 ofback protective component 414, adding strength and rigidity to arm 247.Socket 430 can be specially shaped to provide positional stability andprecise, repeatable orientation in the multi-directional hinge 426. Insome embodiments, ball 428 and/or socket 430 can include detents, teeth,gears, or have a three-dimensional polygon shape to allow for rotationand positioning that will hold when released, and to keep the plastic,or other socket material, from permanent deformation. In someembodiments, ball 428 and arm 427 can be friction fit, resistively fit,and or press fit within socket 430.

Multi-directional hinge 426 can be configured to allow back protectivecomponent 414 to be pivoted and rotated relative to a front protectivecomponent 402. In this manner, case 400 can be positioned in an openstate or a closed state. Case 400 is open, or in an open state, whenelectronic device 442 is readily visible and operable by a user (seeFIGS. 37-41). Case 400 is closed, or in a closed state, when backprotective component 414 is positioned to cover and protect electronicdevice 442 (see FIGS. 32-36).

Referring to FIGS. 42-47, one embodiment of various steps that may beperformed when closing case 400 will be described, it will beappreciated that these steps may be used with any of the embodimentsdescribed herein. The steps are reversible, so opening case 400 can beachieved in the same manner. In FIG. 42, case 400 is shown in a closedstate. Case 400 is fastened by the interface between latch 432 and alatch mating surface 434 on front protective component 402. Latch 432 isdisengaged from a latch mating surface 434 and back protective component414 is pivoted away from front protective component 402 viamulti-directional hinge 426 as shown in FIG. 43. Case 400 is thenpivoted into a fully-rotatable position as shown in FIG. 44. Afully-rotatable position is one where back protective component 414 canbe rotated relative to front protective component 402. This includes anyposition where the smaller angle formed between the two components isgreater than or equal to 90 degrees. Here, back protective component 414is pivoted at a right angle relative to front protective component 402.Next back protective component 2404 is rotated 180 degrees to flip thecomponent as shown in FIGS. 45-46. After the rotation, back protectivecomponent 414 can be pivoted towards front protective cover. Latch 432engages a latch mating surface 434 to fasten case 400 as shown in FIG.47.

Multi-directional hinge 426 can be operated to provide access toelectronic device 442 and any other contents stored within case 400.Multi-directional hinge 426 can allow back protective component 414 tobe positioned against back 410 of front protective component 402 oropposite back 410 of front protective component 402 so that the user mayopen, close, and adjust back protective component 414 against frontprotective component 402 to cover, protect, and/or seal electronicdevice 442 and any stored contents fully. Multi-directional hinge 426may be configured to allow back protective component 414 to bepositioned open and/or rotated at any angle to create a stand or handleby which to display or view electronic device 442 or to film or recordusing a camera included in electronic device 442.

Multi-directional hinge 426 may optionally be configured to have asymmetrical relationship. This symmetry enables case 400 to fully flipand rotate, allowing case 400 to be positioned in completely open andclosed states. As shown in FIGS. 33B and 38B the symmetric chamferfeature of front protective component 402 enables front protectivecomponent 402 to have a minimal thickness, thereby reducing the overallthickness of electronic device 442 when held in case 400.

In some embodiments multi-directional hinge 426 can be used as a thumbcatch feature, serving as a handhold for the user. When case 400 isopen, the user can place a thumb on the front of multi-directional hinge426 and place one or more fingers on back 424 of back protectivecomponent 414. In this manner, a user can avoid touching a screen orbutton of electronic device 442 while manipulating the orientation ofelectronic device 442.

Some embodiments may include a latch 432 on back protective component414 that interfaces with a latch mating surface 434 on front protectivecomponent 402. The interface between latch 432 and latch mating surface434 allows back protective component 414 and front protective component402 to be fastened together in either the open or closed state. Case 400may optionally include a symmetrical interface 444 between latch matingsurface 434 and a latch 432. This allows latch 432 to fasten case 400 inboth an open and closed state. The symmetric chamfer feature of frontprotective component 402 allows for front protective component 402 to bethicker at the edges, providing strength, while allowing the middle offront protective component 402 to be thin so that a case adds minimumthickness to an electronic device. Embodiments of latch 432 and latchmating surface 434 can allow greater and/or easier access and/or greatersecurity to electronic device 442 secured in front protective component402 and to any contents stored in back protective component 414.Although shown on side 418, it will be appreciated that latch 432 couldalso be located on side 416. Also, other types of latches could also beused to fasten case 400.

Other Embodiments

Other embodiments include a front protective component configured with achamber behind the stored electronic device for securing contents. Afront protective component can have a flexible or latching top, bottom,or side to allow access to contents without extracting the electronicdevice. A bar or bars which prevent stored contents in the chamber frominterfering with any features of the electronic device. For example,bars can keep stored contents from blocking a camera or flash device.

Some embodiments of the invention include coupling a socket to anexisting electronic device case so that a back protective component withan arm and ball can be coupled thereto. In effect, the coupling of thesocket turns the existing case into a front protective component.Moreover, some embodiments of the invention include coupling an arm andball to an existing case so that a back protective component with asocket can be coupled thereto. In effect, the coupling of the arm andball turns the existing case into a front protective component. In thismanner, any size, shape, or style of electronic device case can beconverted into a case. Any size, bilaterally symmetrical shape, or styleof electronic device that is capable of being protected by an electronicdevice case can be encased in a case.

The subject matter of embodiments of the present invention is describedhere with specificity to meet statutory requirements, but thisdescription is not necessarily intended to limit the scope of theclaims. The claimed subject matter may be embodied in other ways, mayinclude different elements or steps, and may be used in conjunction withother existing or future technologies. This description should not beinterpreted as implying any particular order or arrangement among orbetween various steps or elements except when the order of individualsteps or arrangement of elements is explicitly described.

Different arrangements of the components depicted in the drawings ordescribed above, as well as components and steps not shown or describedare possible. Similarly, some features and subcombinations are usefuland may be employed without reference to other features andsubcombinations. Embodiments of the invention have been described forillustrative and not restrictive purposes, and alternative embodimentswill become apparent to readers of this patent. Accordingly, the presentinvention is not limited to the embodiments described above or depictedin the drawings, and various embodiments and modifications can be madewithout departing from the scope of the claims below.

What is claimed is:
 1. A protective storage device, comprising: a frontprotective component that is configured to receive an electronic device;a back protective component that is configured to interface with thefront protective component and to form an enclosure that encloses theelectronic device when the back protective component interfaces with afront of the front protective component; and a multi-directional hingethat couples the front protective component to the back protectivecomponent at a single location such that the front protective componentis movable in multiple directions relative to the back protectivecomponent.
 2. A device as in claim 1, wherein the multi-directionalhinge comprises an arm and a ball, and a socket into which the arm andball are received.
 3. A device as in claim 2, wherein the arm is coupledto one of the back protective component or the front protectivecomponent, and wherein the socket is coupled to the other of the backprotective component or the front protective component.
 4. A device asin claim 1, wherein the front protective component comprises a generallyrectangular back, a top end, a bottom end and two sides.
 5. A device asin claim 4, wherein the two sides each include a resilient jaw that isconfigured to flex to permit the electronic device to be inserted intothe front protective component through the bottom end, then released tobias against the electronic device to secure the electronic devicewithin the front protective component.
 6. A device as in claim 1,wherein the back protective component further comprises a biased latchthat interfaces with the front protective cover when the case is placedin a closed position.
 7. A device as in claim 1, wherein the backprotective component further defines a storage compartment between aback of the back protective cover and the electronic device when thecase is placed in a closed position.
 8. A device as in claim 7, furthercomprising at least one feature on the back protective component that isconfigured to interface with a generally flat item that is stored withinthe storage compartment.
 9. A device as in claim 1, wherein themulti-directional hinge is located near the top end of the frontprotective component.
 10. A device as in claim 1, wherein themulti-directional hinge is located near one of the sides of the frontprotective component.
 11. A method, comprising: providing a protectivedevice that comprises a back protective component, a front protectivecomponent that is configured to interface with the back protectivecomponent and to form an enclosure, and a multi-directional hinge thatcouples the front protective component to the back protective componentat a single location such that the back protective component is movablein multiple directions relative to the front protective component;inserting an electronic device into the front protective component;manipulating the back protective component about the multi-directionalhinge to place the back protective component against the frontprotective component, thereby enclosing the electronic device within theprotective device.
 12. A method as in claim 11, wherein the backprotective component comprises a back, a top end, a bottom end and twosides, and further comprising operating a latch at a bottom end of theback protective component to latch the back protective component to thefront protective component.
 13. A method as in claim 11, wherein theback protective component comprises a back, a top end, a bottom end, andtwo sides, and further comprising operating a latch on one of the sidesof the back protective component to latch the back protective componentto the front protective component.
 14. A method as in claim 12, furthercomprising flexing a pair of jaws at the sides prior to inserting theelectronic device.
 15. A method as in claim 11, further comprisingseparating at least a portion of the front protective component from theback protective component, and rotating the front protective componentrelative to the back protective component.
 16. A method as in claim 11,wherein the back protective component defines a storage compartmentbetween the electronic device and a back of the back protective device,and further comprising inserting a plastic card into the storagecompartment.
 17. A method as in claim 11, further comprising placing thefront protective component on a support surface, with the backprotective component propping the electronic case at an elevated anglerelative to the support surface.
 18. A system, comprising: a protectivestorage device, comprising: a front protective component defining acavity; a back protective component that is configured to interface withthe front protective component and to form an enclosure that enclosesthe cavity when the back protective component interfaces with a front ofthe front protective component; and a multi-directional hinge thatcouples the front protective component to the back protective componentat a single location such that the front protective component is movablein multiple directions relative to the back protective component; and anelectronic device held within the cavity of the front protectivecomponent.
 19. A system as in claim 18, wherein the electronic device isselected from a group consisting of a mobile phone, an electronictablet, and an electronic reader.
 20. A system as in claim 18, whereinthe multi-directional hinge comprises an arm and a ball, and a socketinto which the arm and ball are received.
 21. A system as in claim 18,wherein the back protective component further defines a storagecompartment between a back of the back protective cover and theelectronic device when the case is placed in a closed position.